Bedroom decor: Small bedroom style ideas to maximise space

Feeling cramped for space in your small bedroom? Maybe you live in a sharehouse, have just bought a house with tiny bedrooms, or are trying to create a more spacious guest bedroom. Don’t worry – style and functionality aren’t reserved for sprawling main suites, and you won’t need an interior designer to refresh your bedroom.

With the right approach, even the tiniest spaces can feel open, organised and stylish. From clever storage solutions to design and layout tricks that create the illusion of space, this guide is packed with ideas to transform your small bedroom into a light and tranquil retreat.

What’s the best layout for a small bedroom?

Without knocking down walls, your floor plan and size are the two things you can’t change. Luckily, there are ways to maximise space with an ideal layout.

Tina Nettlefold, interior stylist and founder of T.House, has renovated and styled many small bedrooms and says it all starts with bed placement.

“When arranging a bedroom, the bed should always take centre stage as the natural focal point of the room.”

She recommends positioning the bed frame directly opposite the door or at a 90-degree angle to it.

“This placement ensures the bed and headboard remain visually dominant, creating a sense of balance and harmony in the space.”

How to use colour to make a small bedroom feel bigger

Stick to light shades when choosing a colour palette for a small bedroom. You don’t have to stick to just plain whites, though: “Soft whites and light greys provide a neutral backdrop that reflects light, while pale pastels such as soft blues, greens or pinks add a gentle, soothing touch,” Nettlefold explains.

If you want a splash of colour, consider adding an accent wall with wallpaper to bring character and style to a small bedroom without overwhelming the space. Typically, the wall behind the bed works best as the focal point, creating a natural anchor for the room.

Storage solutions for a small space

Storage is often the trickiest aspect of small bedroom design, but using every available inch, including vertical space, can make the space sufficient for storing everything you need.

Nettlefold recommends using space under the bed with plastic boxes, old drawers with wheels or storage caskets to store items not in daily use.

If you run out of floor space, think vertical: “The space above your wardrobe is often an overlooked area,” Nettlefold says. Especially in rooms with higher ceilings, use aesthetic boxes and caskets on top of wardrobes to store things like winter jackets or other seasonal clothing.

Floating shelves can add a nice design element to your bedroom while showcasing sentimental or decorative items like plants or photos.

Curb the chaos in built-in wardrobes or dressers by using storage cubes and drawer dividers to keep clothing neat and organised.

Multifunctional furniture is also your friend in small bedrooms: think bed bases with built-in storage, or an ottoman or bedside table that has storage inside.

The importance of decluttering

Clutter is the number one reason small rooms can feel smaller than they actually are. If you’re redoing your bedroom decor, start by decluttering.

Nettlefold recommends starting by removing any non-bedroom items from the room to create extra space.

When going through your clothing, a good exercise is to think how many times you used the piece of clothing in the past year: if the answer is less than a few times, donate or sell it.

And how to actually keep your bedroom clean?

“A good rule of thumb is ‘one in, one out’: for every new item you bring in, remove an old one. This habit keeps your bedroom organised as time goes on,” Nettlefold says.

Choose your small bedroom decor and furniture mindfully

When decorating and considering the interior design of your bedroom, prioritise furniture and decor that’s timeless and makes the room feel airy and cohesive.

With curtains, choose airy fabrics like linen or sheer cotton to keep the space feeling open, and opt for floor-to-ceiling curtains to create the illusion of height. Stick to light or neutral colours, or match the curtains to the wall colour for a seamless look. You can also extend the curtain rod beyond the window frame to make the window appear larger and allow maximum light when open.

Choose rugs that complement the space without overpowering it. Go for a size that fits under the bed and extends on both sides, providing a soft landing when you step out. If space is tight, consider smaller rugs or runners placed strategically to add warmth and texture.

If you’re considering new furniture, pick pieces that will work with a number of different layouts and colour schemes.

By working with the layout, lighting and the right furniture, a few square metres won’t stop you from having a spacious and calming bedroom design.